Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: zesty on January 18, 2025, 03:45:38 pm

Title: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 18, 2025, 03:45:38 pm
Very nice.

Bit weird with the one pedal driving turned on.

L mode is good, it’s near one pedal driving, and does put some juice back in the old battery.

Quiet drive.

Loads of torque.

Very nice to drive. Way better than the older customs.

Great kit.

Steering is responsive and car like.

Digital display is fantastic.

Rear camera is a good, you can access it whilst driving, means you can you effectively have a permanent rear view mirror.

I had the heating on and both electric heated seats. Wife in the passenger seat. No payload in the back, but the range was impressive given its only 4 degree today.

If I can get the right deal. I may purchase one. It was quick too.

The drive started with 180 odd miles of range but did reduce to 169 once all the heating was on etc.

Decisions decisions.

The diesel is also an attractive offer, but DPF issues and wet belts are always a concern to me.

Like the idea of pretty much maintenance free motoring with the electric.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Splash and dash on January 18, 2025, 04:26:04 pm
Very nice.

Bit weird with the one pedal driving turned on.

L mode is good, it’s near one pedal driving, and does put some juice back in the old battery.

Quiet drive.

Loads of torque.

Very nice to drive. Way better than the older customs.

Great kit.

Steering is responsive and car like.

Digital display is fantastic.

Rear camera is a good, you can access it whilst driving, means you can you effectively have a permanent rear view mirror.

I had the heating on and both electric heated seats. Wife in the passenger seat. No payload in the back, but the range was impressive given its only 4 degree today.

If I can get the right deal. I may purchase one. It was quick too.

The drive started with 180 odd miles of range but did reduce to 169 once all the heating was on etc.

Decisions decisions.

The diesel is also an attractive offer, but DPF issues and wet belts are always a concern to me.

Like the idea of pretty much maintenance free motoring with the electric.


Take the rose tinted  spectacles  off 😂 there is still a lot to maintain apart from the engine , joking aside they do have there place and when / if they solve the battery range and other issues they will be ok , but cost wise the government will tax them the same as any other vehicle and running costs won’t be any cheaper ones that think they will be cheap to run are very naive, you aren’t going to get rid of an expensive to run ice vehicle and have a cheap as chips electric one it’s not in the manufactures interests to produce such a thing , nor in the interest of the garages that sell them as they will be loosing out in servicing costs , and the government will be loosing billions of fuel revenue they have to continue getting that some how , once a lot go over to ev they will start introducing much higher rate tariffs for electricity to charge ev vehicles they have been talking about this for quite a while already , ime  not against ev the motors are very good but the batteries are the weak link and I think they will be for  many years to come .
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: dazmond on January 18, 2025, 04:44:04 pm
Very nice.

Bit weird with the one pedal driving turned on.

L mode is good, it’s near one pedal driving, and does put some juice back in the old battery.

Quiet drive.

Loads of torque.

Very nice to drive. Way better than the older customs.

Great kit.

Steering is responsive and car like.

Digital display is fantastic.

Rear camera is a good, you can access it whilst driving, means you can you effectively have a permanent rear view mirror.

I had the heating on and both electric heated seats. Wife in the passenger seat. No payload in the back, but the range was impressive given its only 4 degree today.

If I can get the right deal. I may purchase one. It was quick too.

The drive started with 180 odd miles of range but did reduce to 169 once all the heating was on etc.

Decisions decisions.

The diesel is also an attractive offer, but DPF issues and wet belts are always a concern to me.

Like the idea of pretty much maintenance free motoring with the electric.

I think this will be my next vehicle in a few years. Sounds great. What is the payload? I only need a 500L tank and average 3k miles a year. A decent driveway for overnight hook up too so won't get caught out while working.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Perfect Windows on January 18, 2025, 04:46:42 pm
Very nice.

...
The diesel is also an attractive offer, but DPF issues and wet belts are always a concern to me.

Like the idea of pretty much maintenance free motoring with the electric.

Sounds good. Thank you. Aren't they weirdly nippy?

If you look up Cleevely EV, they saw that plenty of garages weren't training staff up for EVs so they set up a team of mainly (IIRC) ex-RAC guys to offer at your home servicing.  They've run an MG5 for 140k miles and replaced windscreen wipers and tyres - not even a brake pad. There's a video on it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytO36VSujrM - those kind of running costs appeal, though I'm not going to be doing insane mileage.

Do you have a driveway? If not, get onto your council immediately, as I faffed about with ours for a good three months sorting out cross pavement charging before giving up (we're going to reopen the driveway).

With a charger, rather than taking one of the electricity suppliers' charger fitting deals, get a local sparky to quote. There's not a great deal to fitting them and you may get a pleasant surprise. If you want to be on Octopus Intelligent Go (lowest energy price), the cheapest of the chargers that I could find was the Wallbox brand ones.

Let us know how you get on.

Vin
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Perfect Windows on January 18, 2025, 04:52:11 pm
I think this will be my next vehicle in a few years. Sounds great. What is the payload? I only need a 500L tank and average 3k miles a year. A decent driveway for overnight hook up too so won't get caught out while working.

If your payload is that low there are a vast number of electric vans that will carry it.

Mercedes Vito anyone?  800Kg payload, dirt, dirt cheap (because the earlier ones have an insanely low range - which wouldn't affect you) - 14,000 miles, four years old, £9250 CAP price (which it won't reach) at auction next week. It's a mental price for a Merc van.  Soupy ran a couple.

Vin
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 18, 2025, 05:05:09 pm
Daz, the payload is over a tonne.

I’ve got a best mate who’s a sparky, Vin, so no probs with the EV cable.  Also have a pretty massive driveway  ;D

Maintenance wise, no where near as much as an ICE van. It’s a 2 yearly service regardless of miles.

No belt changes. No DPF issues. No EGR issues. Less brake pad wear (you hardly touch the brakes) no oil changes etc etc.

I love a diesel van, but I’m at the point where it doesn’t make much sense going for another diesel.

Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: dazmond on January 18, 2025, 07:53:39 pm
I think this will be my next vehicle in a few years. Sounds great. What is the payload? I only need a 500L tank and average 3k miles a year. A decent driveway for overnight hook up too so won't get caught out while working.

If your payload is that low there are a vast number of electric vans that will carry it.

Mercedes Vito anyone?  800Kg payload, dirt, dirt cheap (because the earlier ones have an insanely low range - which wouldn't affect you) - 14,000 miles, four years old, £9250 CAP price (which it won't reach) at auction next week. It's a mental price for a Merc van.  Soupy ran a couple.

Vin

Unfortunately an 800kg payload van is too low for a 500l tank once you factor in electric reel,diesel heater,ladders,toolbox,tank frame,etc.must be a minimum of 1000kg.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: KS Cleaning on January 18, 2025, 08:34:53 pm
Very nice.

Bit weird with the one pedal driving turned on.

L mode is good, it’s near one pedal driving, and does put some juice back in the old battery.

Quiet drive.

Loads of torque.

Very nice to drive. Way better than the older customs.

Great kit.

Steering is responsive and car like.

Digital display is fantastic.

Rear camera is a good, you can access it whilst driving, means you can you effectively have a permanent rear view mirror.

I had the heating on and both electric heated seats. Wife in the passenger seat. No payload in the back, but the range was impressive given its only 4 degree today.

If I can get the right deal. I may purchase one. It was quick too.

The drive started with 180 odd miles of range but did reduce to 169 once all the heating was on etc.

Decisions decisions.

The diesel is also an attractive offer, but DPF issues and wet belts are always a concern to me.

Like the idea of pretty much maintenance free motoring with the electric.
Good review. I must admit I am pulling towards an eCustom Sport for my next van, hopefully by the time it comes to change my present Custom Sport there will be a plethora of used low mileage vans on the market, because new prices are insane at the moment😩
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: deeege on January 18, 2025, 10:37:43 pm
Lots of people ‘tempted’ by these, but not many actually pulling the trigger, why’s that? .  ;D

Would like to see the breakdown in cost of ownership of one of these when only doing 3k miles per year like Daz. That’s about £500 in diesel per year equivalent. A days work.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Soupy on January 19, 2025, 04:59:05 am
Lots of people ‘tempted’ by these, but not many actually pulling the trigger, why’s that? .  ;D

Because there's loads of lies being printed in the media and shared online?
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 19, 2025, 07:48:55 am
Lots of people ‘tempted’ by these, but not many actually pulling the trigger, why’s that? .  ;D

Would like to see the breakdown in cost of ownership of one of these when only doing 3k miles per year like Daz. That’s about £500 in diesel per year equivalent. A days work.

Cos it’s still a lot of money, that’s the only reason  ;D
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Perfect Windows on January 19, 2025, 08:31:10 am
Lots of people ‘tempted’ by these, but not many actually pulling the trigger, why’s that? .  ;D

Would like to see the breakdown in cost of ownership of one of these when only doing 3k miles per year like Daz. That’s about £500 in diesel per year equivalent. A days work.

You'd need to take purchase price into consideration. Three of our franchisees have updated their vans in the last 15 months. All paid northwards of £19k, some significantly so.

Because everyone is utterly terrified of BEV vans because they believe the nonsense spread about them we're looking at newer, far (far) lower mileage BEVs for around £12k. We're just waiting for the right van to come up and we'll be away. A £7k+ saving isn't to be sniffed at.

At the moment there are only a handful of used BEV vans up for sale but they'll start to flood onto the market as large companies convert then, three or four years in, sell. Go to a dealer and try to find a used BEV van. Not many about. That's holding people back as well.

The other thing that appeals is that my current van is 18 years old and is pumping out particulates as I drive past schools. Doesn't make me feel terribly good. Nor does the CO2. It's not just about the cash.

Vin
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Scottish Cleaning Service on January 19, 2025, 10:16:06 am
Nice one, but you should have done the test drive when the temperature was minus ! I had to go to a funeral on 23rd Nov last year, it was a Saturday morning and the snow was 4 inches thick. Council didn't grit much the night before and it took me an hour to drive 8 miles. I went by 3 EV buses all run out of juice.
The next week, First Bus took all 50 EV buses off the road and ran diesel buses, still not returned. Only time I have ever heard of a funeral being an hour late because hearse was an hour late.

Down at my mate's garage yesterday for weekly coffee gossip morning in-between windy cleans of course.
Was telling me his mate who works for the AA had to tow a car back up to Oban from Glasgow and what a nightmare he had. They had provided him with the companies CC to pay for charging the EV van. He stopped at 3 on the way up and the Card wouldn't work but he got their with a mile to spare. He used his own card up their for the drive back and when he got back they interviewed him about why it took him so long. He asked for his charging money and they asked for a receipt he said you don't get a receipt so he didn't get paid in sterling but in diesel from the spare stuff.

In the end EV's will work but its the anxiety stress that comes along with them. We are all better waiting for the new 4,250Kgs load vans when they begin to appear. Their payload will be around 1500Kgs so I'm told.

In the end, I have opted for a LWB Crafter instead of my MWB so I can keep most of my stuff in it. Like my Vac, Poles, Hose, PF Trolly and my joinery tools. Will reduce my window cleaning back down to 2 weeks a month and do my handyman stuff the other 2 weeks. Then I will get best of both worlds and this seems to work for me because I'm out playing catch up when the weather turns minus, when I refuse to clean windows. Hard to believe, I got pulled up because I was a week late, they had forgot about the weather the week before. 😂
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: cgh window cleaning on January 19, 2025, 11:35:38 am
Seen a Mercedes mwb electric sprinter today 24k miles for £9450 + vat was 60k +vat new that’s a massive drop in just over 3 years .Not for me but a bargain for some one
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Ste M on January 19, 2025, 06:56:37 pm
Was this the full electric version? Im very tempted by the hybrid which is the 2.5 petrol with the battery. My wife has a hybrid merc and its perfect. I really like the idea of the same in the van especially with that 2.5 petrol engine. My Custom is 4 years old this year and has a lot of equity in it, if I can get a good enough deal then I will but the price rises have put me off a bit and I've had customs ever since they came out. Currently got two now.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: KS Cleaning on January 19, 2025, 07:21:22 pm
Are you VAT registered Zesty? Reason I ask is if you look at the advertised prices on Van Trader, these prices are for VAT registered companies only, you can add on a few grand if you’re not.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: deeege on January 19, 2025, 08:07:37 pm
Lots of people ‘tempted’ by these, but not many actually pulling the trigger, why’s that? .  ;D

Would like to see the breakdown in cost of ownership of one of these when only doing 3k miles per year like Daz. That’s about £500 in diesel per year equivalent. A days work.

You'd need to take purchase price into consideration…

<waffle cut>

Vin

That’s why I said ‘I’d love to see the cost breakdown’……
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 19, 2025, 08:40:06 pm
Are you VAT registered Zesty? Reason I ask is if you look at the advertised prices on Van Trader, these prices are for VAT registered companies only, you can add on a few grand if you’re not.

Nope, under VAT as a sale trader.

I am looking at ex demos.

There is a lot to weigh up, my van owes me nothing accept maintenance. However it is over 10 years old now. It’s a 63 plate custom.

I either go electric and enjoy a new shiny van, and then welcome the tax savings. Or I stick with my current van and have more money in my pocket each month.

It’s actually quite a hard decision!

I’m not interested in going for another diesel, I’ve got one now and aren’t going to gain that much with a newer diesel model. I’ve had DPF issues in the past and really can’t be bothered with wet belt issues in these newer customs.

The hybrid does tempt me, but to be honest, the all electric seems ideal for my rounds.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Perfect Windows on January 19, 2025, 09:46:17 pm
That’s why I said ‘I’d love to see the cost breakdown’……

Based on franchisees' van purchases, we're looking at a saving of £7k upwards on the van.

Electric charger £700 fitted

3,000 miles  at 33mpg at £1.45, about £600

3,000 miles at 2.8m/kWh at 7p, about £75

Addition to my insurance (not for Transit but probably comparable) is about £400 (having a 23yo on my insurance is a pain).

So...

Van:+7,000
Charger:-700
Energy:+525
Insurance:-400

So purely financial savings:

Year one, minimum £6,425 saving
Subsequent years, £125 a year.

Ignores servicing cost decrease because I have no way of calculating, except that servicing costs on BEVs are generally far, far lower than on diesels. No oil, no oil filters, no particulate filters, no adblue tanks to gum up, etc. Servicing seems to be suspension, occasional checks that the brakes haven't seized through lack of use, tyres and wiper blades.

Vin
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: KS Cleaning on January 19, 2025, 09:51:07 pm
Are you VAT registered Zesty? Reason I ask is if you look at the advertised prices on Van Trader, these prices are for VAT registered companies only, you can add on a few grand if you’re not.

Nope, under VAT as a sale trader.

I am looking at ex demos.

There is a lot to weigh up, my van owes me nothing accept maintenance. However it is over 10 years old now. It’s a 63 plate custom.

I either go electric and enjoy a new shiny van, and then welcome the tax savings. Or I stick with my current van and have more money in my pocket each month.

It’s actually quite a hard decision!

I’m not interested in going for another diesel, I’ve got one now and aren’t going to gain that much with a newer diesel model. I’ve had DPF issues in the past and really can’t be bothered with wet belt issues in these newer customs.

The hybrid does tempt me, but to be honest, the all electric seems ideal for my rounds.
I think you will have to wait quite a while for an ex demo eCustom and even then you will probably pay close to  the new van price? you won't get the incentive of 0% finance either?

Edit to add: Sorry I am thinking of the eCustom Sport, which is the one I would be interested in. There will be ex demos of the other models much sooner I would think?
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 19, 2025, 10:05:34 pm
Are you VAT registered Zesty? Reason I ask is if you look at the advertised prices on Van Trader, these prices are for VAT registered companies only, you can add on a few grand if you’re not.

Nope, under VAT as a sale trader.

I am looking at ex demos.

There is a lot to weigh up, my van owes me nothing accept maintenance. However it is over 10 years old now. It’s a 63 plate custom.

I either go electric and enjoy a new shiny van, and then welcome the tax savings. Or I stick with my current van and have more money in my pocket each month.

It’s actually quite a hard decision!

I’m not interested in going for another diesel, I’ve got one now and aren’t going to gain that much with a newer diesel model. I’ve had DPF issues in the past and really can’t be bothered with wet belt issues in these newer customs.

The hybrid does tempt me, but to be honest, the all electric seems ideal for my rounds.
I think you will have to wait quite a while for an ex demo eCustom and even then you will probably pay close to  the new van price? you won't get the incentive of 0% finance either?

Edit to add: Sorry I am thinking of the eCustom Sport, which is the one I would be interested in. There will be ex demos of the other models much sooner I would think?

There’s loads of em mate, I’d get a personal loan and put a large chunk of savings down.

We’ll see. It’s parting with the money that’s the hard part.

I may wait another year for a used, but then you don’t get the warranty and also have no idea how well the battery was looked after by the previous owner.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Simon Trapani on January 19, 2025, 10:21:29 pm
Warranty transfers to the new owner
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: KS Cleaning on January 19, 2025, 10:22:19 pm
My current Customer Sport I bought new in July 2019 for just shy of £31k. I had a trade in of £13k so balance of £18k. My van is worth around £18k just now so around £13k depreciation in 5 1/2 years. Tax saving of £5.5k, so the van has effectively cost around £7.5k plus servicing, tyres, etc, in the time I’ve had it, The only repair I’ve had to do on the vehicle is to replace a broken coil spring just on Friday there.
I reckon the same spec eCustom or Diesel Custom new today would see depreciation almost double in the same time frame, that’s what’s stopping me pulling the trigger at the moment.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: KS Cleaning on January 19, 2025, 10:25:07 pm
Warranty transfers to the new owner
Correct👍🏻
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 20, 2025, 06:16:51 am
Warranty transfers to the new owner

Course it’s does. Stupid me.

The depreciation and overall cost is the big issue, do you buy a second hand but risk buying one that’s not been looked after. Or do you pay more for the peace of mind of a new one.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: deeege on January 20, 2025, 06:58:17 am
That’s why I said ‘I’d love to see the cost breakdown’……

Based on franchisees' van purchases, we're looking at a saving of £7k upwards on the van.

Electric charger £700 fitted

3,000 miles  at 33mpg at £1.45, about £600

3,000 miles at 2.8m/kWh at 7p, about £75

Addition to my insurance (not for Transit but probably comparable) is about £400 (having a 23yo on my insurance is a pain).

So...

Van:+7,000
Charger:-700
Energy:+525
Insurance:-400

So purely financial savings:

Year one, minimum £6,425 saving
Subsequent years, £125 a year.

Ignores servicing cost decrease because I have no way of calculating, except that servicing costs on BEVs are generally far, far lower than on diesels. No oil, no oil filters, no particulate filters, no adblue tanks to gum up, etc. Servicing seems to be suspension, occasional checks that the brakes haven't seized through lack of use, tyres and wiper blades.

Vin

Thanks. So at 3000 miles per year, all of the savings are in the purchase price, and this is assuming similar depreciation levels (between the electric and a similar diesel) from purchase.
 
I’ll not even be considering one of these until the batteries are capable of 300+ miles with a full tank in the winter. I make my working day as stress free as possible and adding range anxiety to my day isn’t something I’d consider.

All those that are ‘tempted’ let us know your thoughts when you actually pull the trigger.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Perfect Windows on January 20, 2025, 07:21:56 am
Genuine question. Why do you need a 300 mile range?

I ask because it suggests you're doing journeys like that reasonably often. In that case, the running cost savings will pile up. Diesel around £60 for that trip, leccy £7.50.

Vin
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: deeege on January 20, 2025, 08:27:22 am
Genuine question. Why do you need a 300 mile range?

I ask because it suggests you're doing journeys like that reasonably often. In that case, the running cost savings will pile up. Diesel around £60 for that trip, leccy £7.50.

Vin

Not often really but I do the occasional job that’s 300 mile round trip yes.

300 mile was just a made up  (probably exaggerated) number but every single Monday I do 120 mile round trip fully loaded.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 20, 2025, 10:30:07 am
If you’re doing 120 miles every Monday, then stick with diesel . I average 10-25 miles a day. I do the odd jobs that are 50 odd miles away, but not many. Not enough to be a problem…

It’s defo a difficult decision nonetheless. It’s always difficult parting with money!
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Stoots on January 20, 2025, 11:17:28 am
They are cheap because no one wants them.

When I was looking at vans a few months ago local dealer was trying hard to find me something. They will flog you owt as we know but even he laughed before saying would you consider an EV ? I said no and he said I don't blame you. We all know they are poope.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: deeege on January 20, 2025, 11:19:10 am
If you’re doing 120 miles every Monday, then stick with diesel . I average 10-25 miles a day. I do the odd jobs that are 50 odd miles away, but not many. Not enough to be a problem…

It’s defo a difficult decision nonetheless. It’s always difficult parting with money!

I definately will be.

I went to a wedding in Essex a few months ago, drove there in a friends EV from Cheshire. Great on the way there no issue, journey around 4 hours. What a massive PITA the journey back on Sunday was. No chargers working at the hotel so couldn’t be charged overnight. The journey back took almost 8 hours due to having to stop twice to find suitable chargers. One of them was a slow charger, whatever that is, and was taking an age. Absolute pain in the arse, especially so the day after a wedding and not feeling too fresh  ;D

The infrastructure just isn’t there currently to charge on the move. Convince me otherwise.

Any calculations on finance need to take into account a £ value on your time, whether it be private time or business time.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Soupy on January 20, 2025, 11:59:56 am
If you’re doing 120 miles every Monday, then stick with diesel . I average 10-25 miles a day. I do the odd jobs that are 50 odd miles away, but not many. Not enough to be a problem…

It’s defo a difficult decision nonetheless. It’s always difficult parting with money!

I definately will be.

I went to a wedding in Essex a few months ago, drove there in a friends EV from Cheshire. Great on the way there no issue, journey around 4 hours. What a massive PITA the journey back on Sunday was. No chargers working at the hotel so couldn’t be charged overnight. The journey back took almost 8 hours due to having to stop twice to find suitable chargers. One of them was a slow charger, whatever that is, and was taking an age. Absolute pain in the arse, especially so the day after a wedding and not feeling too fresh  ;D

The infrastructure just isn’t there currently to charge on the move. Convince me otherwise.

Any calculations on finance need to take into account a £ value on your time, whether it be private time or business time.

I have not used a public charger. I will not use a public charger.

If you need to rely on "the infrastructure" then it's probably not for you.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 20, 2025, 12:54:42 pm
If you’re doing 120 miles every Monday, then stick with diesel . I average 10-25 miles a day. I do the odd jobs that are 50 odd miles away, but not many. Not enough to be a problem…

It’s defo a difficult decision nonetheless. It’s always difficult parting with money!

I definately will be.

I went to a wedding in Essex a few months ago, drove there in a friends EV from Cheshire. Great on the way there no issue, journey around 4 hours. What a massive PITA the journey back on Sunday was. No chargers working at the hotel so couldn’t be charged overnight. The journey back took almost 8 hours due to having to stop twice to find suitable chargers. One of them was a slow charger, whatever that is, and was taking an age. Absolute pain in the arse, especially so the day after a wedding and not feeling too fresh  ;D

The infrastructure just isn’t there currently to charge on the move. Convince me otherwise.

Any calculations on finance need to take into account a £ value on your time, whether it be private time or business time.

Couldn’t agree more, for a car, no way I’m going ev anytime soon.

We bought a 21 plate VW Tiguan r line in dolphin grey in August. Lovely car. Never have to worry about long journeys. Perfect for the kids.

But the van situation is obviously different, I do short, frequent stops on my rounds, so an EV is more enticing. Not to mention it was bloody great to drive.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: KS Cleaning on January 20, 2025, 02:56:39 pm
If you’re doing 120 miles every Monday, then stick with diesel . I average 10-25 miles a day. I do the odd jobs that are 50 odd miles away, but not many. Not enough to be a problem…

It’s defo a difficult decision nonetheless. It’s always difficult parting with money!

I definately will be.

I went to a wedding in Essex a few months ago, drove there in a friends EV from Cheshire. Great on the way there no issue, journey around 4 hours. What a massive PITA the journey back on Sunday was. No chargers working at the hotel so couldn’t be charged overnight. The journey back took almost 8 hours due to having to stop twice to find suitable chargers. One of them was a slow charger, whatever that is, and was taking an age. Absolute pain in the arse, especially so the day after a wedding and not feeling too fresh  ;D

The infrastructure just isn’t there currently to charge on the move. Convince me otherwise.

Any calculations on finance need to take into account a £ value on your time, whether it be private time or business time.

Couldn’t agree more, for a car, no way I’m going ev anytime soon.

We bought a 21 plate VW Tiguan r line in dolphin grey in August. Lovely car. Never have to worry about long journeys. Perfect for the kids.

But the van situation is obviously different, I do short, frequent stops on my rounds, so an EV is more enticing. Not to mention it was bloody great to drive.
This is why the EV is appealing to me too. I do a lot of short journeys and start/stops. On my current van I get a warning on my display about once a month that the exhaust particulate is clogged, drive to clear. I then have to take the van along a dual carriageway for a few miles in high revs to clear it.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 20, 2025, 03:34:39 pm
If you’re doing 120 miles every Monday, then stick with diesel . I average 10-25 miles a day. I do the odd jobs that are 50 odd miles away, but not many. Not enough to be a problem…

It’s defo a difficult decision nonetheless. It’s always difficult parting with money!

I definately will be.

I went to a wedding in Essex a few months ago, drove there in a friends EV from Cheshire. Great on the way there no issue, journey around 4 hours. What a massive PITA the journey back on Sunday was. No chargers working at the hotel so couldn’t be charged overnight. The journey back took almost 8 hours due to having to stop twice to find suitable chargers. One of them was a slow charger, whatever that is, and was taking an age. Absolute pain in the arse, especially so the day after a wedding and not feeling too fresh  ;D

The infrastructure just isn’t there currently to charge on the move. Convince me otherwise.

Any calculations on finance need to take into account a £ value on your time, whether it be private time or business time.

Couldn’t agree more, for a car, no way I’m going ev anytime soon.

We bought a 21 plate VW Tiguan r line in dolphin grey in August. Lovely car. Never have to worry about long journeys. Perfect for the kids.

But the van situation is obviously different, I do short, frequent stops on my rounds, so an EV is more enticing. Not to mention it was bloody great to drive.
This is why the EV is appealing to me too. I do a lot of short journeys and start/stops. On my current van I get a warning on my display about once a month that the exhaust particulate is clogged, drive to clear. I then have to take the van along a dual carriageway for a few miles in high revs to clear it.

Yep. DPFs are a nightmare for our type work.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: dazmond on January 20, 2025, 04:53:20 pm
If you’re doing 120 miles every Monday, then stick with diesel . I average 10-25 miles a day. I do the odd jobs that are 50 odd miles away, but not many. Not enough to be a problem…

It’s defo a difficult decision nonetheless. It’s always difficult parting with money!

I definately will be.

I went to a wedding in Essex a few months ago, drove there in a friends EV from Cheshire. Great on the way there no issue, journey around 4 hours. What a massive PITA the journey back on Sunday was. No chargers working at the hotel so couldn’t be charged overnight. The journey back took almost 8 hours due to having to stop twice to find suitable chargers. One of them was a slow charger, whatever that is, and was taking an age. Absolute pain in the arse, especially so the day after a wedding and not feeling too fresh  ;D

The infrastructure just isn’t there currently to charge on the move. Convince me otherwise.

Any calculations on finance need to take into account a £ value on your time, whether it be private time or business time.

Couldn’t agree more, for a car, no way I’m going ev anytime soon.

We bought a 21 plate VW Tiguan r line in dolphin grey in August. Lovely car. Never have to worry about long journeys. Perfect for the kids.

But the van situation is obviously different, I do short, frequent stops on my rounds, so an EV is more enticing. Not to mention it was bloody great to drive.
This is why the EV is appealing to me too. I do a lot of short journeys and start/stops. On my current van I get a warning on my display about once a month that the exhaust particulate is clogged, drive to clear. I then have to take the van along a dual carriageway for a few miles in high revs to clear it.

Ironically this has very rarely happened to me and my diesel connect van is 8 years old now. I average 3000 miles a year,stop/start and short journeys. The DPF light has only come on twice in all that time.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: KS Cleaning on January 20, 2025, 05:38:19 pm
If you’re doing 120 miles every Monday, then stick with diesel . I average 10-25 miles a day. I do the odd jobs that are 50 odd miles away, but not many. Not enough to be a problem…

It’s defo a difficult decision nonetheless. It’s always difficult parting with money!

I definately will be.

I went to a wedding in Essex a few months ago, drove there in a friends EV from Cheshire. Great on the way there no issue, journey around 4 hours. What a massive PITA the journey back on Sunday was. No chargers working at the hotel so couldn’t be charged overnight. The journey back took almost 8 hours due to having to stop twice to find suitable chargers. One of them was a slow charger, whatever that is, and was taking an age. Absolute pain in the arse, especially so the day after a wedding and not feeling too fresh  ;D

The infrastructure just isn’t there currently to charge on the move. Convince me otherwise.

Any calculations on finance need to take into account a £ value on your time, whether it be private time or business time.

Couldn’t agree more, for a car, no way I’m going ev anytime soon.

We bought a 21 plate VW Tiguan r line in dolphin grey in August. Lovely car. Never have to worry about long journeys. Perfect for the kids.

But the van situation is obviously different, I do short, frequent stops on my rounds, so an EV is more enticing. Not to mention it was bloody great to drive.
This is why the EV is appealing to me too. I do a lot of short journeys and start/stops. On my current van I get a warning on my display about once a month that the exhaust particulate is clogged, drive to clear. I then have to take the van along a dual carriageway for a few miles in high revs to clear it.

Ironically this has very rarely happened to me and my diesel connect van is 8 years old now. I average 3000 miles a year,stop/start and short journeys. The DPF light has only come on twice in all that time.
I think the auto variants are more prone to it as the revs are generally lower? I have to switch the van from automatic to manual to clear it.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Bungle on January 20, 2025, 05:51:50 pm
My old neighbour leases a Vauhall EV. One time they went abroad and while they were away the electric meter box on the side of the house caught fire. I didn't know anything about it until they told me. He was adamant it was nothing to do with the charging terminal. I have my doubts. Another time the charging point packed up and they had to charge the car in town, about 10 miles away.

You can shove EV up yer arris.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Perfect Windows on January 20, 2025, 07:38:37 pm
My old neighbour leases a Vauhall EV. One time they went abroad and while they were away the electric meter box on the side of the house caught fire. I didn't know anything about it until they told me. He was adamant it was nothing to do with the charging terminal. I have my doubts. Another time the charging point packed up and they had to charge the car in town, about 10 miles away.

You can shove EV up yer arris.

I'd have thought the correct conclusion to draw would be not to have their electrician do any work at your house rather than to decide anything about their car.

Vin
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Perfect Windows on January 20, 2025, 07:43:49 pm
I reckon that if I needed one I could find a charging point in my area if I really tried.

(https://i.postimg.cc/jdrMDbM3/Clipboard01.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Vin
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Slacky on January 20, 2025, 09:33:43 pm
You could really take the piss and charge at a customers house.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Splash and dash on January 20, 2025, 09:43:35 pm
I reckon that if I needed one I could find a charging point in my area if I really tried.

(https://i.postimg.cc/jdrMDbM3/Clipboard01.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Vin

Thing is how many of them are working , down here many are shown on a map but don’t work or there is 4 in a Tesco car park for 1,000 cars so not much chance of them being free when you need it
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 21, 2025, 06:27:22 am
This is true.

Yesterday I had an email for a softwash quote that’s 42 mile away. I started to wonder if the E custom would make it there and back with half payload and cold weather. Then again, I’d probably just wait for the weather to warm up a bit before doing the job.

There is a range calculator on the Ford website for the E custom. In 0 degree weather you may only get 88 miles when motorway driving with a full load. That’s pretty horrendous  ::)roll

Lots to consider.

Anyway, I’ve got my MOT tomorrow, so let’s see how that goes before making a proper decision.

Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: deeege on January 21, 2025, 07:38:34 am
This is true.

Yesterday I had an email for a softwash quote that’s 42 mile away. I started to wonder if the E custom would make it there and back with half payload and cold weather. Then again, I’d probably just wait for the weather to warm up a bit before doing the job.

There is a range calculator on the Ford website for the E custom. In 0 degree weather you may only get 88 miles when motorway driving with a full load. That’s pretty horrendous  ::)roll

Lots to consider.

Anyway, I’ve got my MOT tomorrow, so let’s see how that goes before making a proper decision.


I wouldn’t even consider adding that extra level of stress to my working  day just to save a few quid. Not a chance.
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 21, 2025, 11:03:56 am
Yep.

Freedom of choice is a good thing Deegee, no one’s making me consider it  ;D
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Josh Wayman on January 22, 2025, 06:35:14 am
It sounds like you had a great experience with the electric vehicle! The blend of smooth, quiet driving, responsive steering, and impressive features like the digital display and rear camera make it stand out. It's interesting how the range adjusts based on heating and usage—good to keep in mind for planning longer trips. The appeal of maintenance-free electric motoring is hard to ignore, especially compared to the concerns with diesel engines like DPF and wet belts. If you can get a deal that works for you, it sounds like this could be a solid and enjoyable choice!
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: AuRavelling79 on January 22, 2025, 01:15:19 pm
It sounds like you had a great experience with the electric vehicle! The blend of smooth, quiet driving, responsive steering, and impressive features like the digital display and rear camera make it stand out. It's interesting how the range adjusts based on heating and usage—good to keep in mind for planning longer trips. The appeal of maintenance-free electric motoring is hard to ignore, especially compared to the concerns with diesel engines like DPF and wet belts. If you can get a deal that works for you, it sounds like this could be a solid and enjoyable choice!

Are you a sales brochure masquerading as a human?
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Perfect Windows on January 22, 2025, 01:50:34 pm
Are you a sales brochure masquerading as a human?

I suspect it's AI. Has that non-human feel to it.

Vin
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: zesty on January 22, 2025, 02:23:37 pm
Made me laugh when I read it, but then if its AI, it joined a few months ago according to the stats page…
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Soupy on January 22, 2025, 03:15:45 pm
Weird that Josh Way-I is reading the full context of a window cleaning forum thread and posting though, isn't it? To what end I wonder?

Josh, if you're not AI then I apologise but the post does have the whiff of computer generated-ness
Title: Re: My test drive of the E transit custom.
Post by: Scrimble on January 23, 2025, 02:30:47 pm
blatently AI haha, you know we are all screwed when the bots are trying to convince us to buy utter garbage